Halloween Preparations

Get ready annual trunk-or-treat

because this year the wife is going all-out 

for costumes and decorations!

The sci-fi adventurous and creative sides came together to create, once again,

some future space-faring medical officers and a shuttle pod. 

And if you don't have funds to spare, you say?

Cardboard, pen, paper, scissors, and glue will save the day!

It all began with an idea, some paper, a pen, and a pair of scissors.

Then the wife discovered she had glue, and gold and aluminum foil.

It looks fairly real to me! Perhaps a little more shiny, but it'll do.

A Quilt of Which Grandma Would be Proud!

Nearly 10 years ago the wife sketched and colored-in a quilt design on paper. 

She hoped it would reflect something about revelation, restoration, hope and love.

It's even got a little palm tree in it. 

She can't help it; sunny California has left it's mark!

Here's the finished picture:

Now all it needs is some batting and someone to cuddle with.

Anniversary Day

It's that time again!

The anniversary of the two peas.

Lately they've been taking hikes and walks to celebrate.

Here's the day in pictures from a beautiful nearby park:

Forests!

Beautiful clearings with gorgeous wild flowers....

And mushrooms....

And Assassin Bugs!

What a beautiful day!

Oh, this poor yard!

The two peas have been working hard to clean up 

this sad, neglected, over-grown, weed and vine ridden backyard. 

Whew!

Here's some pics for updates,

since pictures speak faster than I can:

These vines are ridiculous and run shallowly under the soil for 10's of feet. 

Resetting the stones....

Filling in the sides with fresh cedar mulch. It smells so good!

Clearing out even the tiny weeds. Believe it or not, but most of those little leaves on the ground by the pot are from several tiny tree shoots we had to cut out.

A few potted flowers here and there to brighten it up a little.

Donating Hair!

Two years ago the wife chopped off most of her hair with the intention of donating it.

Yeah...the key phrase being intent.

So, this year the wife chopped it off again.

This time it's going in the mail!

Here's the damage:

It was so long!

My stylist did an awesome job!

Creamy Soy Alfredo Sauce

The two peas love Alfredo sauce, 

but not the fact that a serving (1/2 cup with noodles) is usually 600+ calories. 

So, the wife whipped up this version instead, and it tastes pretty good.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Light Original Soy Silk (you can try using almond milk)
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 6-8 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (based on using the powder kind; you can also grate your own)
• 2 tbsp corn starch (thoroughly mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
• Black pepper, salt, and garlic to taste
• Dash of ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Sautee 1-2 cloves of garlic in butter. (You can use garlic salt or garlic powder to flavor the sauce instead).
2. Add soy milk to pan with butter, and heat it until the milk starts bubbling. 
3. Add parmesan cheese one tablespoon at a time and mix thoroughly with a wisk into the milk. 
4. Add the corn starch mixture and thoroughly mix into the milk and cheese sauce immediately.
5. Allow sauce to thicken and simmer over medium to low heat for about 3-5 minutes. 
6. Add seasonings to taste and the dash of nutmeg.

The recipe serves 4 people. 

With a serving of noodles, the total calorie count is about 400-440 (depending on whether you use 6 or 8 tbsp of parmesan cheese).

Enjoy!

An Easter to Remember

Easter is beautiful

with its promise of new life,

and every year the earth seems to celebrate

with blossoms, fresh foliage, and baby animals.

This year it took on a new, more personal meaning for the two peas. 

They had hoped to welcome a third pea to their pod by year's end,

but alas, it was not to be.

A beautiful set of lilies graced the living room,

and then a candle.

Sometimes the promise and joy of life is experienced in its blessed renewal. 

Thanks to Ma and Pa H. for the beautiful flowers.